Industry

25 Most Influential People in the Incentive Industry: Globalists

The 25 Most Influential

The concept of motivation exists in every developed country in the world. Which means that the number of organizations and individuals working to further the practice of incentives spans the globe. That's what makes the three people on this list so important. We need professionals with a global viewpoint to help guide the direction of the industry.

Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group
WHY SHE'S ON THE LIST: IMEX America is the incentive travel show in the U.S., and together with IMEX in Frankfurt has raised the bar on industry events, with innovations in education, networking, corporate social responsibility, and -- increasingly -- openness to merchandise providers.
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENT: The sixth IMEX America, held in October, was the largest yet, with more than 3,000 hosted buyers and future-focused offerings such as #IMEXpitch, EventTech, and Innovation Tours. "We can expect the action and adoption of meetings technology to grow as planners, delegates, hosts, venues, and destinations become more comfortable and hands-on in applying it," she says. IMEX America's incentive products area included a number of new exhibitors, as well as familiar names with increased booth space.

Peter W. Hart, CRP, CEO of Rideau Recognition Solutions; board member of the Incentive Federation and Recognition Professionals International (RPI)
WHY HE'S ON THE LIST: As CEO of century-old global recognition provider Rideau Recognition Solutions, Hart is a thought leader in the recognition and incentive industry and sits on the IFI and RPI Board of Directors. In addition, Hart is making key acquisitions around the globe, including a major partnership in China. The firm is investing heavily in using data in ways that, Hart says, "is going to change our industry in a major way."

RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENT: Hart oversaw the acquisition of Birks Corporate Award Business and launched a new online portal to enhance Rideau's gift and award product offering.

Kevin M. Hinton, CIS, chief excellence officer of SITE
WHY HE'S ON THE LIST: Hinton is overseeing SITE's rebirth as an influencer and voice for the global incentive travel sector. "As evidenced by the recent SITE Index 2017, the incentive sector is strong and being sustained by companies around the world that recognize and reward people by providing once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences as a top incentive for their delivering on company objectives and delivering results," he says.
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENT: The SITE Foundation-funded Job Analysis study validating the 14 essential competencies for incentive travel professionals that will form the basis for SITE's training and certification curriculum.